Despite the unprecedented involvement of China's leadership and the cooperation of different sets of national and provincial authorities, brand owners still face serious challenges when trying to enforce their IP.
"What we need is this sort of responsiveness and engagement 12 months a year and not just for a specific period," said Elliot Papageorgiou, a partner of Rouse in Shanghai.
Chinese premier Wen Jiabao announced the Campaign against IP Infringement and the Production and Sale of Counterfeit and Shoddy Goods in October last year.
The backing of high-level officials marked the campaign out as different from previous attempts to crack down on counterfeiting.
"This is the first time such a big operation has been initiated by the premier, the highest level of Chinese official, and conducted by so many ministries," said Jack Chang, senior IP counsel, Asia for GE and chairman of...